A resolution to appoint William Baaki to the position of first ward alderman is on the agenda for this Tuesday’s common council meeting. The position has been vacant since the passing of Ed Russo just a day after he won his bid for re-election in November. According to the city’s charter, in the event an election winner is unable to serve, the council may appoint by majority vote a replacement from the same political party to serve until the next general election. According to the resolution, Baaki’s name was submitted by the Montgomery County Republican Committee.
Reached for comment today, Baaki said he is honored to have been asked to serve and expressed his respect for Russo and sympathies for his family.
“He’ll be greatly missed,” said Baaki, “He was such a great alderman and loved by so many.”
Baaki has lived in the city for four years with his wife and eight children. He is currently a partner at the Goldberg Segalla law firm, and works at the firm’s Albany office where he specializes in business and commercial litigation, construction litigation, and general liability matters.
Being relatively new to the city, Baaki said he will bring a unique perspective to the alderman position as someone who originated outside the area and chose to move to the city.
“We fell in love with Amsterdam and really love the area,” said Baaki. “I’m honored for the chance to give back to the community that has given our family so much.”
According to his profile on Goldberg Segalla’s website, Baaki received a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in 1998, and a law degree from Ave Maria School of Law in 2004. He is also affiliated with the Fulton-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a board member for the Friends of Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine.
